Enabling Communication

Alexander Reeder

Part runway show, part exhibition, Enabling Communication is an event for museums where models wearing technologically enhanced garments walk about the venue engaging visitors, answering questions, and discussing their clothes.

The clothes we wear separate our naked skin from the outside world. As such, they also serve as a medium which influences our communication. What we choose to wear on a night out, or a uniform one wears everyday affects the way we interact. By adding new capabilities to our clothes, we are modifying an integral medium of our communication. First of all, we must be aware of the changes this will bring, as Marshall McLuhan brought to our attention in Understanding Media. Next we must release our imaginations to think of new ways to communicate.

Enabling Communication takes a critical look at ways we are modifying how we communicate by using interactive garments and accessories. Multiple projects are proposed for exhibition in several themes: normalizing, enhancing and controlling. The thesis experience will culminate in the proposal of Enabling Communication to museums internationally, and ideally the exhibition's eventual realization.